Tuggeranong Stadium hiring fees rise but still amongst the lowest

Announcing increases in charges for hire of Tuggeranong Sports Stadium by local sports clubs, Mr Ian Mackay, CEO of the Canberra Southern Cross Club (CSCC) said the price rises, which start from 1 September 2015, would still keep the Tuggeranong venue price competitive for sporting groups. He said the decision to increase the fees is part of the Club’s broad review of its business activities designed to reduce the Club’s level of reliance on gaming revenue.

“It’s never nice to be announcing increases but we cannot continue to operate this part of our business on unrealistic fees. However, the price rise for the stadium will still keep the prices very competitive with other comparable venues.”

“CSCC supports the Government’s case that community clubs should reduce their reliance on gaming revenue through business diversification. This requires us to look not only at new ventures such as our new health and fitness operations and Snapper on the Lake at the Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club, it also means taking a more realistic common sense approach to our existing businesses. An examination of prices at similar venues around Canberra indicated that our existing prices were well below the market.” Mr Mackay said

“This is an unfortunate but necessary part of redefining our business model. The decline in revenues over the last decade has seen the club close a number of venues, including the Yamba Sports Club, Southern Cross Club Kaleen, Southern Cross Club Turner and the Woden Pitch & Putt golf course. Sensible, competitive pricing are part of our plan to avoid further closures wherever we can.” Mr Mackay said.

Mr Mackay said the club was looking to run its business ventures in a more commercially competitive way but that it was extremely reluctant to reduce its current levels of support for local sporting and community groups. These activities include the CSCC’s support for some 350 community organisations, which Mr Mackay said the Club wants to continue to support for as long as it can.

The launch of Canberra Southern Cross Clubs innovative “Community Rewards Program” that links sponsorship to food and beverage spend is a positive step to continuing the high level of community support the Club provides.